Optional Standards of Accreditation for CACs

Three National Optional Standards of Accreditation for Children’s Advocacy Centers were launched in 2023. If you are a new or existing Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) seeking accreditation or reaccreditation and you are considering meeting one or more of the Optional Standards, you can prepare using the resource pages below. They are designed to assist you in gaining knowledge and a solid foundation on commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), child abuse prevention, and physical abuse as you pursue meeting the Optional Standards.

CSEC Toolkit

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Use the Toolkit

Prevention Resources

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Get Prevention Resources

Physical Abuse Guide

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Get the Guide

DEI Principles

The principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are inherent throughout all of the Standards, including the Optional Standards. Within the Optional Standards guide, there are examples of implementation that are reflective of the diversity of CACs, with consideration of the vast diversity of communities in which CACs operate. Use the resources on the NCA DEI page to gain context on the Diversity, Equity, and Access (DEA) rationale to meet the DEA Standard, and to consider how the Optional Standards reflect DEI values.